Thursday, January 19, 2012

Again

A Cook County jury on Wednesday found Chicago police officer Richard Bolling guilty of aggravated DUI and reckless homicide in connection with the death of a 13-year-old boy nearly three years ago.

Trenton Booker, 13, was on his bike May 22, 2009 when he was struck while riding near 81st and Ashland. Bolling, now 42, was off-duty at the time.

We all know someone who tends to drink a bit much. We also know there are others more than willing to be designated drivers for those who wish to partake. When something like this happens, we all suffer.

We've said in the past that the star you carry opens a world no one else gets to see. But it also opens a hell should you screw up. If past sentencing is any indication, 10 years is the minimum being looked at.

48 Comments:

If the officer had just been a regular mope in the hood with no insurance or license nobody would give two shits less. Don't doubt the family will be out for big money. What the fuck was this little rat doing out of his house at that hour. No blame on the parents. The officer is going to do time to send a "message" to somebody. Don't drink and drive. If no alcohol is involved it is just a tragic accident. His life is now over. Very sad.

And there is still that other copper who killed the two guys in the Ryan. Alcohol is to be enjoyed in moderation. Sure, have a few drinks, but don't drive. The days for anyone to drive buzzed are a thing of the past. Innocent people get killed every day, and they are somebody's family member. Drink and drive and get prison time.

I shudder at the thought of how many times I drove home drunk from watch parties, etc. Finally wised up after that det. from area 5 killed that old man years and years ago. I really regret taking the risks that I did.

Younger officers (and older ones) who still imbibe and drive, you truly are risking killing yourself or someone else, and like SCC, losing EVERYTHING.

Not to mention the guilt you would have to carry for the rest of your life.

This guy should have pled guilty--at least maybe the court would have shown some mercy. There's no defense that is even plausible in this case, and for God's sake, he did it--he should have been a man and just admitted it.

His mental punishment will far exceed any time he gets (if any, I wouldn't be adverse to 5yrs probation),because he has to live with the reality that his actions resulted in the death of another. Sad all the way around. No winners here.

From the accounts in the press, I was not at the trial, being intoxicated ans striking the boy was only one small part .What happened afterwards seemed, at least by the press accounts, as a very cold attitude on the part of the officer. I am sure that did not help. And, it did look like an attempted coverup by the beat officers and supervisors.

Sad situation all around. It may get a little costly at times, but call a cab instead of driving home from the bar. It's way cheaper than a DUI, losing your job, home, money, and freedom. I personally go out to a bar once a month at the most, and I've been cabbing it or having my wife pick me up. The risk is just to much.

If the officer had just been a regular mope in the hood with no insurance or license nobody would give two shits less. Don't doubt the family will be out for big money. What the fuck was this little rat doing out of his house at that hour. No blame on the parents. The officer is going to do time to send a "message" to somebody. Don't drink and drive. If no alcohol is involved it is just a tragic accident. His life is now over. Very sad.

1/19/2012 12:32:00 AM

"This little rat???" You're an idiot for obvious reason. This officer is going to do time b/c he recklessly ran over and killed a kid. The kid shouldn't have been out at that time of night, we all know that, but don't poo poo and act like the officer is taking a hit for someone else. He's taking it for his own actions.

You would think every Copper would conduct themselves in such a manner as to avoid being seen by T.V. cameras walking out of court or being perp walked into County or the MCC looking as if they shit on themselves.

If the officer had just been a regular mope in the hood with no insurance or license nobody would give two shits less. Don't doubt the family will be out for big money. What the fuck was this little rat doing out of his house at that hour. No blame on the parents. The officer is going to do time to send a "message" to somebody. Don't drink and drive. If no alcohol is involved it is just a tragic accident. His life is now over. Very sad.

1/19/2012 12:32:00 AM

You sir or maam can go fuck yourself....you wonder why the publics opine is tainted....dickfucks like yourself and your chaw hole spewing bullshit. How in any way shape or form does what you said here make any sense.

What was your mamma doing out the night your rat ass was conceived in the back of a tribune delivery van. If you wear a badge I bet there's gel dripping on it. Park back under your bridge and wait for the tour to end. Useless fucking bag of shit.

I would sit 20 just to pack your ass for a stupid comment like that....if it was my kin. How long until the bac tests were done?

I'm sorry for the officers situation....not sure ten years is justice in any homicide.

I have been reading the second city for on three years now....this just pushed my button. On an upbeat note my favorite lawman of the year J.B. VanHolland just sent my ccw permit yesterday so I feel safer.

If your a copper and get into anything the penalties and media circus is the worst of the worst! The city and people in general don't give a shit about you,that is why I write the reports,give them the vin,and say "have a nice day!" They boys on the hood days are way gone thanks to a thankless elected morons,no support from exempts who I can't think of 1 that knows how to help a working street copper! All that counts back each other up,take care of your neighborhoods and family,and of course the 1st and 16th!

SCC: This is a great post, and you're totally right. The common sense approach (don't drink and drive, have a designated driver, etc.) are made more difficult by some aspects of Chicago bar/tavern culture. Lots of neighborhood bars love having a cop or two (or more) as regulars. Often those cops will be guys (or gals) who grew up in that neighborhood, who know everyone in the bar. And in the "Whose round is it?" approach to having a few, it's sometimes made awkward to say "No, I've had enough." Because then you're not one of the boys (or girls) anymore, and so people (not just cops) give into that bit of pressure and have more to drink than is safe. This is not even to bring up the bars that just look the other way when cops over-imbibe, because you cannot tell some guys (or gals) what to do. These bars like having cops there when there's a problem, but then sometimes the cops become the problem (I know bartenders who dealt with the mope who killed the two taggers on the Ryan, and he was not very well-liked; but they couldn't cut him off or ban him either, because their managers/owners feared the badge). It's complicated, but at the end of the day: everyone is responsible for their own behavior. If you have to tick off your high school buddies by not having another round, so be it. It's not their pensions and livelihood at stake, it's yours. Not to mention your life itself, and the lives of others.

That was one fucked up situation. The kid should not have been out and the cop shouldn't have been drinking. I was there, but only as an observer. My partner and I got the fuck out of there because we new how fucked up everything was. It ain't over yet. The lawsuits will drag on for years.

Old Retired Guy Here......yea again.Very good comments by SCC."There go I, but by the grace of ? "My heart goes out to this officer.I hope he has the mental fortitude to endure. I hope in some way this sad story, will help someone in the future.

Drunk or not drunk - he killed someone. He hit the kid and took off. There is no excuse for leaving the scene of an accident, especially after hitting a person. He acted like he had no conscience and therefore paid for his mistake.

If the officer had just been a regular mope in the hood with no insurance or license nobody would give two shits less. Don't doubt the family will be out for big money. What the fuck was this little rat doing out of his house at that hour. No blame on the parents. The officer is going to do time to send a "message" to somebody. Don't drink and drive. If no alcohol is involved it is just a tragic accident. His life is now over. Very sad.

The first guy that got popped off for alcohol on the blow test occurred only days into the new year

1/19/2012 12:34:00 AM

Except he was a she and there have been a few already. What is so hard to comprehend. They have been warning us about the test for over a year. The Sgts. have been doing it for a year and some have already been disciplined. Do you think they won't catch you? Put the bottle down. Drink on your days off, Don't drink and drive. The old days are over. And yes I do drink so I'm not telling you to stop. The point is to be smart.

Yes he is the son of Doug Bolling, a true gentleman, Rich is a nice guy too, just got caught doing something that alot of us have done, Be careful drinking and driving, your world and life could change in a second, Enough said, Please be safe out there.

The Officer involved in this case is a friend and an all around good guy. I can think of at least 500 PO's this could happen to before Rich. Did he have a few drinks and drive home? "Yes". Is Rich a big Drinker? "No". Thursday nite was basketball nite then have a few drinks and go home to his family. The ASA's made him out be be a monster. Not true at all. From the time this happened Rich felt nothing but remorse and had a very difficult time dealing with the situation. Now for the ASA who said he got "Special Police Treatment". His Fucking original Bond was TWO MILLION!! Got it reduced to ONE MILLION after a hearing. Now that's special treatment. As for the Booker family I feel for your loss.But my one question to TERRANCE BOOKER (The grieving Dad)remember your first interview with the cameras all around you stated you sent Trenton out for chips and soda for you. Remember that until some attorney wised you up? Then it was he just left the house without your knowledge. Don't worry TERRANCE this is the biggest score you will ever get so ride the wave. Stay strong Rich we will always be there for you and your family.JP

Ummm. No, speak for yourself assclown. This is not a thing that a lot (properly spelled) of us have done. Maybe you, dumb ass, but not me, or any of my freinds. Would not do it before I was the police and I surly would not do now that I am the police.Been like that for the last 17 years Sonny - you and your ilk, well your destroying this once proud department.

I know who this superior officer is, but it doesn't really matter now. He retired so they can't fire him. I think he was a good boss, but some people didn't like him. His biggest fuck-up was forgetting that he was being recorded. He was just trying to help a fellow cop. I had a feeling that it was all going to end up like this. Let's all not get bent up over this. Life goes on, at least for the ones that survived. Think before you drink!

Drunk or not drunk - he killed someone. He hit the kid and took off. There is no excuse for leaving the scene of an accident, especially after hitting a person. He acted like he had no conscience and therefore paid for his mistake.

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not a mistake taking off like that. a choice. and a crime in itself that makes it look worse. like anyone else who did something similar, it will put a big hurt on him.

Bill said... SCC: This is a great post, and you're totally right. The common sense approach (don't drink and drive, have a designated driver, etc.) are made more difficult by some aspects of Chicago bar/tavern culture. Lots of neighborhood bars love having a cop or two (or more) as regulars. Often those cops will be guys (or gals) who grew up in that neighborhood, who know everyone in the bar. And in the "Whose round is it?" approach to having a few, it's sometimes made awkward to say "No, I've had enough." Because then you're not one of the boys (or girls) anymore, and so people (not just cops) give into that bit of pressure and have more to drink than is safe. This is not even to bring up the bars that just look the other way when cops over-imbibe, because you cannot tell some guys (or gals) what to do. These bars like having cops there when there's a problem, but then sometimes the cops become the problem (I know bartenders who dealt with the mope who killed the two taggers on the Ryan, and he was not very well-liked; but they couldn't cut him off or ban him either, because their managers/owners feared the badge). It's complicated, but at the end of the day: everyone is responsible for their own behavior. If you have to tick off your high school buddies by not having another round, so be it. It's not their pensions and livelihood at stake, it's yours. Not to mention your life itself, and the lives of others.

1/19/2012 11:23:00 AM

Oh, stop making it so deep and complicated. When I lift my glass, no 'neighborhood culture' is propelling it toward my mouth. I am.

You are the one who says yes or no. You are the one who can accept another round, but let that drink sit untouched on the bar. You, not some sociologist's twisted rationalization.

Sworn here, not a troll. I switch to 7-up or water after two drinks, when I know I'll be driving home from a bar or restaurant. I think about what I'm doing; I don't blindly go along with the sheep. And I don't use 'social pressure' as my excuse to get hammered and drive.

Ummm. No, speak for yourself assclown. This is not a thing that a lot (properly spelled) of us have done. Maybe you, dumb ass, but not me, or any of my freinds. Would not do it before I was the police and I surly would not do now that I am the police.Been like that for the last 17 years Sonny - you and your ilk, well your destroying this once proud department.

A very sad situation. A good man made a terrible mistake. Let he is without sin cast the first stone. John 8:7. Hopefully the judge will see that RB is a good man and not the sum of the mistakes he made that night. Prayers for all concerned.

I shudder at the thought of how many times I drove home drunk from watch parties, etc. Finally wised up after that det. from area 5 killed that old man years and years ago. I really regret taking the risks that I did.

Same here. I live far north, and used to work 3rd watch in 002. Can't tell you how many nights I took that long ass drive back north, while totally hammered. My come to Jesus moment occurred when a couple of 024 coppers pullled me over. Tthey'd beeen behind me for a block or so. They told me to be grateful that it was 4 am and no traffic was on the road. Said I was swirving all over the street. One of them jumped in my car and drove me the final 2 miles home, while his partner followed. I don't know who was more ashamed, my wife when they bought me home and explained what had happened, or me the next morning. After that night (12 years ago) I've never driven drunk again. Thanks to those 2 coppers from 024 who looked out for my idiot ass that night.

Rich is a totally high character guy. Both as a policeman and as a man. As stated earlier he regrets totally what has happened and it is tearing him up inside that he killed a child. This was a mistake. Plain and simple a huge God awful mistake that happened in the blink if an eye changing two lives and the families and friends forever. A life changing mistake could happen to ANY one if us at any time. ESPECIALLY doing this job. True, Rich was not a big drinker, never has been. The STATES ATTORNEY's office. I hate you low life pieces of shit wanna be judges, pious pompous mutherfuckers in that trial division.. As many cases as the police had made for you mutherfuckers. As many careers we've helped put on the glide path to your glorious judgeships, and you go hard at one of our own who makes his first big MISTAKE. The ASAs office down there should never be trusted. Learn that lesson well. They will hang you from a short tree given ANY opportunity. I'm happy to say I will never make another case for those pompous pieces of low life shit down there who drink and drive, whom I have PULLED OVER many times over the years. Then they flip their shit out and want. "SPECIAL TREATMENT". No good mutherfuckers.

Good for you. You made precisely the same point I did. Everyone is responsible for their own actions. Don't know why you needed to bring me into it, other than to rant against over-analyzing or looking at sociological reasons why people do things. Guess we all cannot be as strong and self-controlled as you are.

But I've seen folks who say "I'll just have a 7-up" get told they were pussies, asked "WTF you worried about, you've got the Get Out of DUI Free Badge", and seen them say, OK, make it another Jack and Coke. And another. And another.

Hell, I didn't even bring up one key reason why some guys drink too much: the cocktail waitresses and barmaids who are auditioning for the Second Wives' Club.

But good for you. Let's hope everyone on the job can be as responsible off the job as you are.